Best Of
Re: Let the fun begin in B, Z & SA!
There was a No1 Detective TV series starring Jill Scott some years ago which if you can find it, is good to watch

Re: Let the fun begin in B, Z & SA!
Have the time of your life, HooHeel! I went solo too, and I loved every minute of that tour. I second Tribal Trends when you hit Capetown. If Reagan is still a waiter at Kabu please give him my best.
Re: Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague 2024
The Wieliczka Salt Mine was included on the "Royal Danube, Berlin & Krakow" trip that I took in 2022 (One of my favorite trips). Our farewell dinner was held deep within the salt mine. People were given the option of walking down all those steps, or taking an elevator down. I chose to walk. We all took the elevator to return to the surface after dinner. I agree that it is not to be missed.
Re: Just returned from Jordan & Egypt-small group (2/2024)
BKMD. I would definitely go back when the GEM is fully open. I'm thinking in 10 years Inshallah.
Re: Michigan's Lakes and Mackinac Island
This morning, we set out in the tenders to dock at Mackinac Island. The lake was beautiful and calm and the weather perfect. We got onto horse drawn carriages with two carriage horses, through the shopping street and upwards to a halfway point where we could choose to stay on and go up to the Grand Hotel or change carriages and take a guided ride through the forest, stopping off at Mackinac Fort which was really interesting and had wonderful views of the lighthouse and lake. This carriage had three horses pulling it. We then had to walk three quarters of a mile down to the Grand Hotel where we were all meeting for lunch.
Everywhere on the island are gorgeous flowers and shrubs. The gardens at the hotel are wonderful and the hotel spectacular inside and out. The only disappointment was lunch. The dining room had hundreds of people in it, all lining up for I guess, what we thought would be an elegant lunch experience. Instead it was a buffet off paper plates!
We walked around the hotel inside afterwards and then meandered down to the shopping area, seeing all of the 17 fudge shops and T shirt stores. It was busy. We caught the 3pm tender back to our ship.

Re: Small"er" Group Tours??
Merely to offer a different opinion, I prefer the regular sized groups - more personalities and people to engage with (or avoid). Even with a land tour group of 44, there was significant comradery. I never have felt that too much time was wasted getting on/off bus, etc. To me, the larger groups make for a more interesting trip. The only time that has been difficulties with ‘waiting’ for others was on a trip with a total of 8 guests. One guest was perpetually late or lost. As has been said, the larger group is always broken down to smaller groups. Clearly this is a personal preference- I just want others not to feel obligated to spend the extra money for the smaller group size.
Re: Let the fun begin in B, Z & SA!
HooHeel: this is the last day of the same trip that you’re starting. All I can say is: get ready for a wonderful and awesome time.
While in Capetown, I took an Uber to Tribal Trends and Tribal Collection (nextdoor to each other) and purchased wonderful African merchandise from affordable to pricey. The Watershed, walkable from The One and Only Hotel is also a great shopping area for a variety of souvenirs.
On another note and off topic is a fun book series I’ve read (probably for women) is the Botswana fiction series of The Number One Ladies Detective Agency. I’ve read every single book centered in Botswana.
Re: Small"er" Group Tours??
Judy05 -
Last I checked, I saw no difference in the itineraries for the three (3) group sizes for the Capitol Cities tour. I do see, however, that the welcome reception and dinner now returns to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. It was one of the most gala events we ever attended. That was in 2018.
We all have different travel styles and expectations. What appeals to us may not appeal to anyone else. We prefer the small groups and it is my opinion that one sees more simply because you are not spending time waiting for others. Nor have I experienced more free time post-pandemic. Contrary to the belief that this tour has considerable free time—a conclusion without even looking at the itinerary—no, it does not. I relish some free time, especially on very hectic, fast paced tours, which this tour is not. Some enjoy rushing from point A to point B; we like to see what is between those two points. We also enjoy mingling with locals whenever we have the opportunity to do so.
I do highly recommend the tour and especially adding extra days in Quebec City—a taste of Europe right here just north of the border.
